WINNER
Sefton Council
The planning service at Sefton is underpinned by shared core values which motivate staff to go above and beyond. Through transformational leadership they responded uniquely to the challenges of Covid. The service has developed highly effective partnership working with agents, politicians and other stakeholders, and is willing to take risks. The service constantly looks for new ways to respond to the needs of its customers whilst ensuring it is creating great places to live. The planning service is at the forefront of the Council’s regeneration agenda and is highly respected both within the Council and in the Liverpool City Region.
Judges‘ comment: "The judges were particularly impressed by the range of special measures adopted to respond to the pandemic and support the economic recovery of the Borough. They have factored in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into their everyday processes and working environment and their focus on mental health is embedded in the organisation’s work culture. They are a good example of how LPAs can be flexible and proactive when operating in a constrained manner."